Teaming up to save salt marsh

 

SEABROOK - The state Department of Environmental Services and FPL Energy Seabrook Station, the majority owner of the Seabrook nuclear power plant, have signed an agreement to protect the 42-acre Browns River salt marsh.

According to a statement released by the state, the joint effort is intended to restore tidal flow to obstructed areas.

Roads, railways and berms often cut off or restrict flow to wetland areas. Such tidal restrictions have led to the proliferation of invasive plants, such as phragmites, and the loss of wildlife habitat.

The Browns River salt marsh is located in Seabrook and Hampton Falls, adjacent to the power plant. It is bisected by a railroad causeway built across the marsh in the 1850s. All tidal flow to the 42-acre marsh passes through a relatively small culvert.

Restoration work will include installing a new box culvert to increase the tidal flow fourfold.

The restoration is a joint venture of the state Coastal Program, which recently became part of the DES, Seabrook Station, the town of Seabrook, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the state Department of Transportation.

- Susan Morse

To subscribe or visit go to:  www.seacoastonline.com